Berkeley car rentals from C$ 57/day
This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a car rental in Berkeley with a pick-up date of 9/8 and drop-off date of 26/8. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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Cheap car rentals in Berkeley
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Berkeley
- If you’re using Berkeley car rentals with two or more passengers, then consider using the carpool lanes. Also known as high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes or diamond lanes, these help to ease the flow of traffic while encouraging ride-sharing. In Berkeley and the broader Northern California area, carpool lanes are usually operational – that is, only meant for cars with two or more passengers – from Monday to Friday during peak hours. Often, this is around 6 am to 10 am and 3 pm to 7 pm. Outside of these hours, anyone may use the carpool lanes. Using the lane outside these hours can result in a fine.
- If you want to get the most out of cheap car rentals in Berkeley, you’ll want to keep an eye out for local Berkeley events and US holidays that affect traffic patterns. First, on June 19th, people celebrate Juneteenth with street parades and outdoor activities along Alcatraz Avenue and Adeline Street in South Berkeley from roughly 11 am to 7 pm. On July 4th, people celebrated Independence Day with fireworks displays at Berkeley Marina, so expect extra traffic along University Avenue and Marina Boulevard. Finally, on the second week of September, the Solano Avenue Stroll features parades, events, and closed streets along Solano Avenue in North Berkeley.
- Drivers of cheap car rentals in Berkeley don’t have to worry about tolls within the city of Berkeley itself. However, there are a few tolls to be aware of in neighboring counties and cities. If you plan on heading southwest toward San Francisco, the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge has a toll. Likewise, if you plan on going northwest towards San Rafael, there is the Richmond/San Rafael Bridge tool. If you drive south from there into San Francisco, you’ll need to pay the Golden Gate Bridge toll as well. All tolls are paid electronically, either through a FasTrack device, an online app, or an online website. You’re given five days before or after to pay the toll.
- One of the main reasons to rent a car when visiting Berkeley is that, with one, it is a simple drive to reach the many wonderful nature parks that surround the city. For example, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area offers wonderful views of the bridge, bay, and the city. However, it is a slow process to get there via public transportation, while in a car it just an easy 30-minute drive from central Berkeley.
- Looking to pick up a rental car for your time in Berkeley? If you are flying into San Francisco International Airport, the rental car counters are located in the Rental Car Center. To reach the Rental Car Center from the airport, simply hop onto the AirTrain Blue Line at any of the terminals and get off at the Rental Car Center stop.
- Jaywalking is particularly common in Berkeley and drivers should be on the lookout for pedestrians, particularly when near UC Berkeley. This is partly because of the high density of pedestrians and also because of the many tiny streets in the area. In general, jaywalking isn’t as big of an issue as it is in some other big U.S. cities, but it is still something to look out for.
- Berkeley, like many suburbs in large cities, suffers from daily bouts of rush hour. Typically, drivers can expect rush hour to last from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The evening rush hour can be particularly congested for drivers leaving the downtown area, so it is highly advised to time your driving accordingly. I-80 and the Bay Bridge are two spots to skirt around if you are looking to avoid traffic.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in Berkeley for C$ 67 or less
- Book your rental car in Berkeley at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Intermediate rental cars in Berkeley are around 18% more expensive than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Berkeley
What type of car is recommended for driving in Berkeley?
The roads in Berkeley are more than large enough to accommodate all sizes of vehicles from SUVs to sedans. That being said, there are some neighborhoods with smaller streets; for the most part, however, they aren’t an issue. Additionally, parking is another thing to keep in mind as in the most popular parts of town, larger cars may be difficult to find parking spots large enough for.
What’s the speed limit in Berkeley?
Drivers can expect residential speed limits in Berkeley to range from 25 to 35 mph, while on larger roads the speed limit goes up to 50 mph and even up to 65 mph on motorways. On highways and interstates, drivers will see speed limits ranging from 65 to 70 mph.
Where are the best places to park in Berkeley?
Streetside parking can be very difficult to find in the central areas of Berkeley, especially during the peak hours of the work week. Aside from streetside parallel parking, parking garages are the main option available. In general, the garages are your best bet for parking, particularly if you are planning on to a more popular area. Drivers can usually expect to pay around $2.00 - $3.00 per hour for parking.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Berkeley?
On average a rental car in Berkeley costs C$ 68 per day.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Berkeley?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Hertz (C$ 57/day), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (C$ 71/day) and Avis (C$ 92/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest rental car price was found at Hertz 1061 San Pablo Ave. 94706-2225 (3 kilometers from city center).
How much is gas price in Berkeley?
The average gas price in Berkeley is C$ 5.27 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between C$ 63 and C$ 84, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Berkeley?
Intermediate (Toyota RAV4 or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Berkeley.
How can I find car rentals near me in Berkeley?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Berkeley?
An Intermediate car rental in Berkeley costs C$ 92 per day, on average.
How much does a Compact car rental cost in Berkeley?
A Compact car rental in Berkeley costs C$ 54 per day, on average.
How much does an Economy car rental cost in Berkeley?
An Economy car rental in Berkeley costs C$ 113 per day, on average.
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Berkeley?
On average a rental car in Berkeley costs C$ 479 per week (C$ 68 per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Berkeley?
On average a rental car in Berkeley costs C$ 2,053 per month (C$ 68 per day).
How do I get from San Francisco International Airport to downtown Berkeley?
After getting your rental car at the San Francisco International Airport, it takes about 35min or so to drive to downtown Berkeley. First, drive north along the US 101-N, then take a right on I-80 E and cross over the bridge. Finally, turn right on University Avenue.
Does Berkeley train station have any car rentals?
No, the downtown Berkeley train station doesn’t have any car rentals available on-site. However, there is an Avis Car Rental about 5 mins walk southeast of the station. Additionally, there is a Toyota Rent a Car location about 10 mins walk south of the station.
Berkeley car rental reviews and directory
Budget
7.9
Good
11 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.8
Value for money
7.6
2 locations in Berkeley
Locations in Berkeley
2000 Kittredge Street
+1 510 666 1270
600 Gilman Street
+1 510 524 7237
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Mar. 2024
10.0 Wonderful
Oct. 2023
6.4 Okay
Mar. 2020
Cons:
Upon dropping off the car, I was charged a higher amount than was on my original receipt. The receptionists at the dropoff location couldn't adequately explain why. They thought it was some insane reason like I picked up the car 10 minutes before my appointed time of noon on a Thursday...and that changed my rate somehow? I had to call Budget customer service to resolve it. Turns out they upcharged me for a sedan when I had reserved a compact car. I had nothing to do with that. I reserved a compact car and paid for a compact car. I just took whatever the hell car they gave me at the pickup location. The associate on the phone promised to refund me the difference.9.6 Wonderful
Oct. 2019
Pros:
Staff was very friendly and helpful!8.0 Very good
May 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Aug. 2021
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
7.1
Good
15 reviewsCleanliness
7.3
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.8
Value for money
6.9
4 locations in Berkeley
Locations in Berkeley
1706 San Pablo Avenue
+1 510 526 3900
1990 Oxford St.
+1 510 223 6444
3001 Shattuck Ave
+1 510 841 8300
5858 Horton St Ste 193
+1 510 223 6444
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Apr. 2024
6.0 Okay
Feb. 2024
10.0 Wonderful
Mar. 2021
Cons:
Nothing10.0 Wonderful
Aug. 2020
Pros:
Super easyCons:
A hybrid2.0 Poor
Jul. 2020
Cons:
I got a text from Enterprise saying that there were no cars available from the location that was closest to me. Even though I reserved it through Kayak stating that the car that I reserved was available. Sucks. I canceled the reservation, went elsewhere.2.0 Poor
Sep. 2019
Cons:
Did not have any vehicles available when I showed up, had to rent a vehicle through Budget, have not issued a refund yet.Hertz
7.0
Good
17 reviewsCleanliness
7.4
Comfort
7.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.5
Value for money
7.0
One location in Berkeley
Locations in Berkeley
1061 San Pablo Ave.
+1 510 558 1438
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Jan. 2021
Pros:
Yes2.0 Poor
Oct. 2020
Pros:
Nothing. Told me they didn’t haven’t care.Cons:
Not being extremely rude, and announce they have the right to cancel my reservation at Hertz if they don’t have cars even though it said they do online. Multiple other car agencies said they do not have cars available. Hertz said they did and the man at the desk was very rude and unhelpful.2.0 Poor
Aug. 2020
Cons:
Poor poor poor. Everything is poor.4.0 Mediocre
Jul. 2019
Pros:
Absolutely nothing was positive about this experience.Cons:
The Albany Hertz: horribly understaffed with TERRIBLE service. Car rentals usually require some amount of patience, but this place is horrible. The phone rings off the hook, the wait is at least an hour, and they are totally understaffed.2.0 Poor
Feb. 2023
4.0 Mediocre
Sep. 2022
Avis
4.6
Mediocre
3 reviewsCleanliness
4.6
Comfort
5.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.6
Value for money
5.3
2 locations in Berkeley
Locations in Berkeley
2000 Kittredge Street
+1 510 705 8991
600 Gilman Street
+1 510 558 0441
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Sep. 2022
1.9 Poor
Sep. 2021
Thrifty
5.9
Fair
No reviews available
One location in Berkeley
Locations in Berkeley
1061 San Pablo Avenue
+1 510 558 1438
Filters
No reviews available
Car rental locations in or near Berkeley
Good to know
Most popular agency | Dollar |
|---|---|
Most popular car type | Intermediate |
Average price | C$ 68/day |
Good deal | C$ 67/day |
When to book a rental car in Berkeley
Everything you need to know for your car rental in Berkeley
Berkeley car rental information
| Pick-up location | Berkeley |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact, Economy, Full-size, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Standard, Standard SUV, Supplier choice |
| Rental locations | 8 |
| Airport locations | 0 |
| Popular agencies | Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz, Avis, Budget |